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Principal & Administrators

Dr. Christian Padgett
Dr. Christian Padgett is a veteran educator with over 10 years of experience. He joined Fulton County Schools as a teacher at Brookview Elementary where he also served as an instructional coach before becoming an assistant principal. For the past four years, Dr. Padgett has served as an Assistant Principal at Benteen Elementary in Atlanta Public Schools. Dr. Padgett is a native of Savannah, G.A. He has continued to pursue his passion for education and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, Master's Degree in Elementary Education, Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership and Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University. Dr. Padgett also holds multiple endorsements to include Mathematics, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and Gifted.

Dr. Padgett enjoys running, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family in his spare time. Dr. Padgett is a passionate educator who believes all students can learn at high levels. He truly seeks to inspire and empower both students and staff to reach their fullest potential. He is passionate about highlighting what makes Hapeville Elementary a special place to learn and grow. Dr. Padgett is committed and ready to partner with students, staff, parents, and community members as the very proud principal of Hapeville Elementary! Dr. Padgett is excited to take his next step in his leadership journey as a Soaring Hapeville Hawk!

Tamara Whitaker, M.A., is our Assistant Principal. Mrs. Whitaker holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Georgia, a Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction from Central Michigan University, as well as a Tier I Leadership Certification and a Reading Endorsement. With over 18 years of experience in education and instructional leadership, she brings exceptional expertise, dedication, and a deep connection to Fulton County Schools.

A proud alumna of S.L. Lewis Elementary, Ronald McNair Middle, and Creekside High, and a current Zone 3 resident, Mrs. Whitaker is uniquely invested in the success of our students and community.

Throughout her career, she has excelled in roles including second-grade teacher, Early Intervention Program teacher, Instructional Coach, Curriculum Support Teacher, and K-5 Mathematics Coordinator for Marietta City Schools. Her dedication to collaboration and student success earned her recognition as Teacher of the Year in 2014. Among her many achievements, Mrs. Whitaker led a school to an impressive 17-point CCRPI gain, championed data-driven instruction through Professional Learning Communities, facilitated impactful professional development, and implemented district-wide curriculum initiatives that improved student performance on state assessments.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Whitaker enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, and staying active in her community. Her warmth, energy, and collaborative spirit will undoubtedly enrich Hapeville Elementary.

 

kirk
Ms. Kirk is honored and excited to serve Hapeville Elementary school as the School Counselor for the 2022-2023 school year. Ms. Kirk graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a minor in Spanish. She went on to receive a Master's Degree in School Counseling, graduating from Capella University in 2018. For the past three years, she has worked as an Elementary School Counselor with Fayette County in Title 1 schools. She absolutely loves being a school counselor and getting to build relationships with students. Coming from a household where both of her parents were teachers, her passion for education is in her blood. She enjoys teaching Social-Emotional learning, helping students learn how to self-regulate and manage their emotions, and supporting teachers with behavioral interventions in the classroom. She is an advocate for all students and wants to ensure they have access to what they need to succeed in school and in life.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her dog. She loves reading and spending time outdoors. Ms. Kirk also enjoys traveling and spending summers by the water.

LaTrece Thomas
LaTrece Thomas is the Curriculum Support Teacher (CST) at Hapeville Elementary.  Mrs. Thomas supports teachers with understanding and teaching the Georgia Standards of Excellence, recommending curriculum resources and facilitating professional learning.  Her role also includes evaluating teachers based on the Teacher Keys Effectiveness System, overseeing the school's Georgia Pre-K Program, Early Intervention Program (EIP), Extended Learning Program, Diagnostic Placement Testing, and other duties as needed to support student achievement. Mrs. Thomas is a member of Hapeville's School Governance Council.

She started her career with Fulton County Schools in 1999 as a Paraprofessional at Stonewall Tell Elementary.  She moved to Hapeville Elementary School in 2002 and taught both 3rd and 4th grade. LaTrece Thomas holds an Associate of Science degree in nursing, a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership.  Mrs. Thomas is a proud wife and mother who strongly believes consistency is the key to any breakthrough.  Outside of school, Mrs. Thomas spends quality time with her family, travels, serves in Marriage Ministry at her church and is a Fulton County Court Appointed Special Advocate.

Audrey Broomfield
Ms. Broomfield started her educational career twenty years ago. She began teaching second grade in Florida then began working with Fulton County Schools at Hapeville Elementary School in 2002 teaching both 3rd and 4th grade. Since then, she has had the opportunity to serve in the positions of EIP Teacher, RTI Teacher, Math Coach, and Data Support Specialist for Fulton County. Her goal is to continue working for what is best for students.

 

Ms. Broomfield earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Valdosta State, a Reading Endorsement, a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Central Michigan, and is currently working on her Specialist degree in Educational Leadership.  Outside of school, Ms. Broomfield spends quality time with her family and friends, reads, travels, loves playing tennis, and enjoys serving at her church.

Catherine Vicens-Garcia is the Literacy Coach for our school. She comes with over 30 years of experience in education. Catherine is a New York City native. She earned a BA in Bilingual Education from Brooklyn College. Upon graduation, she received a fellowship to continue her studies and earn an MA degree in Bilingual Education at City College, also in New York City. As a lifelong learner, she went on to get her second Masters at Hunter College with a focus on the integration of Computer Science and Math in Elementary Schools.

After 13 years of experience in the NYC school system, she moved to Atlanta with her family. Her first assignment was at College Park Elementary as an ESOL teacher. She went on to be an ESOL Lead Teacher and furthered her education by earning her Specialist degree in Brain-Based Teaching and Instructional Leadership. Catherine also has her Leadership Certificate, which she earned at Georgia State, and an ESOL Endorsement as well as a Reading Endorsement.

As a member of the Fulton County School System, she has had the opportunity to serve in the position of New Teacher Mentor Coach, Reading Coach, EIP Teacher and Data Support Specialist.  Her goal is to continue working for what is best for students and hopes to continue this work as Literacy Coach at Hapeville Elementary.

In addition, she wants to continue honoring the legacy her parents left to her family.  As migrants from Puerto Rico to the United States, they wanted their children to embrace the opportunity of getting a good education. They continuously imbedded a love for, and respect for education.